In order to pull off transportation projects that improve safety and efficiency for travelers, the planning phase is critical. There are massive amounts of data to consider, including the status of existing infrastructure, current traffic behavior, and the surrounding natural environment where improvements are being considered.
Luckily, GIS technology exists to help visualize and analyze this data during the transportation planning phase.
With data-based decision-making, governments can ensure that they select the best path forward for their transportation projects.
In this article, we will explain how GIS can be applied during the planning phase of transportation projects.
How GIS Is Used For Transportation Planning: An Overview
GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems and is a type of technology that involves taking detailed information about the natural and built environment and turning it into layered maps and other visual representations to analyze large areas and easily find patterns.
To collect data for GIS, on-the-ground vehicles, aerial aircraft, and satellites are equipped with sensors that scan the environment and capture information about what they see.
These sensors can do amazing things, such as identifying the difference between various land uses, such as farmland and bodies of water, and capturing precise information about traffic behavior.
This data is uploaded to GIS software, where it can be turned into visual models and analyzed to make intelligent transportation planning decisions.
Using GIS For Corridor Studies
Corridor studies help identify the best pathways for new infrastructure or improvements to existing routes.
To start these projects, planners need an accurate understanding of the current infrastructure, how pedestrians and drivers behave in the space, and surrounding environmental factors. Technology is key to this process.
For example, with tech like LIDAR, planners can scan a highway with laser beams and, through the use of other technology, identify infrastructure features like mileposts and road crossings and determine the grade of the road and the height of infrastructure such as overpasses.
This info can be inputted into GIS software so planners can see all of it at once and in a visual format that makes sense.
They can then use this data to make their recommendations and present that information to the public and government officials.
One real-world example of GIS in action for transportation planning comes from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). VDOT can use GIS tools like the Virginia Natural Landscape Assessment (VANLA) to figure out how existing wildlife areas could impact their potential projects.
With this information, they can select the best possible path forward for their projects that will protect the environment while also making sure they don’t run into regulatory delays.
How Transportation Planners Are Using NV5 Geospatial
Now that you know how GIS technology can be used during the transportation planning process, you can take advantage of this important tool for making data-driven decisions.
One way to do so is by partnering with a GIS company like NV5 Geospatial. NV5 Geospatial not only provides GIS mapping and analysis services, we can help with data collection as well.
Multiple departments of transportation including Texas and Oklahoma have used NV5’s geospatial services to assist with their infrastructure projects.
Learn more here.